11 Jun 2003

Officials suspended in Fiji's Public Works Department probe

5:19 am on 11 June 2003

Three officials from Fiji's Public Works department have been suspended over allegations of corruption.

The secretary of the Public Service Commission, Ratu Tui Cavulati, says this follows a report released by parliament's public accounts committee which found cases of double payments between the department and private contractors.

It also found that 312 local purchase orders were issued in one day for purchases made up to 18 months earlier.

Ratu Tui says the police are involved in the process and more irregularities may soon come to light.

"We've already suspended three of the officers and the charges against these officers have also been sent across to them. The process with the PSC is they be given time to respond to those charges and in addition to that they have already fired other officers who would be suspended."

Ratu Tui Cavuilati.